Qualitative Research = observes things by looking at the deeper meanings of them rather than figures. It is strictly subjective and portrays an interpretive approach. Methods include looking at diaries, interviewing and observing (Faruque 2010).
Quantitative Research = analysed in terms of numbers and measurements which can generate cause and effect, creating trends/correlations. Looks at things from an objective approach and is positivistic (Faruque 2010).
As I am a sociology student, I am looking at this debate from a sociological viewpoint. I found that although quantitative research is coming back as popular in sociology, qualitative research has been considered the most popular, so I intended on finding out why this is the case.
The first and most obvious advantage of this type of research is that it aims to achieve 'breadth,' and 'depth,' (Blaxter et al, 1996) in the data is gains which of course is beneficial as there is a likelihood that the researcher will get a better understanding of the participants answers. However, for a deep analysis to occur, the research is usually done on a small scale, (Everitt and Hay, 1992) meaning that the data received will not be particularly generalisable. As Quantitative research does not rely on meanings and depth and so is therefore, quicker and easier to conduct and interpret, larger scale analysis is conducted which is representative of the wider population. So which is the better research method then? Although qualitative research is more time consuming and stressful, (Delamont, 1992) it gains rich data, fleshing out research because it asks deeper questions. Quantitative research though, of course produces data which is representative of the wider population and is easier to analyse, meaning it can be replicated, but are statistics trustworthy? Some participants may not report situations or open up if the researcher does not build up a rapport with them, which would be done using the qualitative research. Building a relationship with the participant though, could be an issue but at the same time not telling the participant they are being researched, therefore conducting covert research, could be seen as even worse. Quantitative researchers would come into less contact with ethical issues, but is this a risk worth taking for empirical research (Punch, 1998)?
It is obvious from the fact that the debate on which research type is better, has been going on for years, that neither is superior to another. It is for this reason that Mixed Methods, a mixture of both types of research, has become more popular, as the positives of qualitative research for example can outweigh the negatives of quantitative research.
This will not stop the debate however, and I'm sure for years to come, this will still be in research textbooks and a debate which has not come to a conclusion!
References
Faruque, S (2010) Qualitative Vs. Quantitative Research methods in Sociology. Available at; http://suite101.com/article/quantitative-vs-qualitative-research-methods-in-sociology-a320362 accessed on 14/03/2013
Another well written and engaging blog. It would have been interesting for you to have then reflected on the role of different research techniques for your group and to have reflected on whether you feel more comfortable with one type of research. 3
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